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A top US official sought to quell growing concern Sunday over reported drone sightings in the country's northeast, reiterating there was no known security threat as authorities monitor the situation. President Joe Biden's administration has faced mounting criticism for not clearly identifying origins of the objects seen hovering over parts of New York and New Jersey. The criticism has come even from Biden's own party, with top Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer calling Sunday for action to make it easier for federal, state and local authorities to work together to detect and if need be "bring down" any drone seen to pose a threat. Video footage of mysterious airborne phenomena recently has clogged social media, with spottings also reported in Maryland and Virginia. "Some of those drone sightings are, in fact, drones. Some are manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Sunday on ABC's "This Week" program. "But there's no question that drones are being sighted," he said, noting there are more than one million registered across the United States. "I want to assure the American public that we are on it," he said. "If we identify any foreign involvement or criminal activity, we will communicate with the American public accordingly. Right now, we are not aware of any." Even as Mayorkas sought to reassure the public, Boston police announced Sunday that two Massachusetts men had been arrested the previous night for allegedly conducting a "hazardous drone operation" near the city's Logan International Airport. State police were conducting a search for a third suspect, who authorities said fled the scene. Schumer, in a letter to Mayorkas Sunday, urged the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special drone-detection technology across New York and New Jersey, since traditional radar struggles to detect such small objects. He also called for passage of legislation to explicitly authorize state and local law enforcement to work with federal agencies to detect and "bring down drones that threaten critical facilities or mass gatherings." Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, meanwhile expressed frustration at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over its communications around the issue. "The answer 'we don't know' is not a good enough answer," he told "Fox News Sunday." "When people are anxious... people will fill a vacuum with, you know, their fears and anxieties and conspiracy theories," he said, calling for the FAA to hold public briefings. White House national security spokesman John Kirby had previously said the aircraft could be lawfully operated planes or helicopters mistaken for drones. "While there is no known malicious activity occurring, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight a gap in authorities," he said Thursday, calling for Congress to pass new legislation to "extend and expand existing counter-drone authorities." New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Sunday that authorities had agreed to send a drone detection system to her state. "I am grateful for the support, but we need more. Congress must pass a law that will give us the power to deal directly with the drones," she said on X. On Friday, President-elect Donald Trump urged federal authorities to clearly identify the drones' origins. "Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!" he posted on social media. As the price of drones has fallen -- small quadcopter models with Wi-Fi camera capability can be purchased for as little as $40 -- their numbers and popularity have soared, making their presence in American skies a greater concern. acb/des/bbk/mlmSan Jose brings losing streak into game against Los AngelesHIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (AP) — Josh Dilling's 22 points helped Northern Kentucky defeat Norfolk State 71-62 on Sunday. Dilling also had five rebounds for the Norse (5-6, 1-0 Horizon League). Sam Vinson added 21 points while going 4 of 5 and 13 of 15 from the free-throw line while they also had five assists and three steals. LJ Wells finished 5 of 7 from the field to finish with 10 points. Brian Moore Jr. led the Spartans (6-6) in scoring, finishing with 12 points and two steals. Terrance Jones added 12 points for Norfolk State. Kuluel Mading also had 12 points. Northern Kentucky plays Wednesday against Detroit Mercy at home, and Norfolk State takes on Alabama State on Thursday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
December 23, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread by Tokyo Metropolitan University Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered that around 15 days of dry weather can trigger the flowering of durian. Observations of 110 durian plants revealed that flowering occurred around 50 days after an approximately 15-day dry spell, independent of whether the plant was grafted or grown from a seed. The team's work, which is published in the International Journal of Biometeorology , might not only impact the production of a valuable agricultural asset but deepen our understanding of tropical ecosystems. Known in many countries as the "king of fruits," the durian is known for its distinctive strong odor, large size, and thorny rind. Though its odor splits opinions, its widespread culinary use in Asia makes it an exceptionally valuable crop, accounting for the largest share of fruit in Malaysia by production, area planted, and quantity produced. Yet, there is much that is unknown about its cultivation, including how its flowering is triggered. To uncover the secrets of durian flowering, a team of researchers led by Professor Shinya Numata and Aoi Eguchi from Tokyo Metropolitan University undertook an extensive survey of durian, observing 110 plants in the orchard of the University of Technology Malaysia with local collaborators. Their study covered both seed-grown and grafted plants, focusing on the timing at which individual plants flowered, measured against an extensive survey of weather conditions. The team found that durian plants flowered approximately 50 days after a prolonged period of dry weather. These dry spells needed to be long enough to show up in moving average traces, specifically periods where rainfall averaged over 15-day windows was less than 1 millimeter. Previous work had hinted at some correlation between either dryness or low temperature. This is the first time that the exact conditions had been pinned down with such accuracy, though they found no correlation with maximum or minimum temperature. Their work was found to apply to durian plants irrespective of their varieties, as flowering seemed to occur at the same time for both. The same was also found for both seed-grown and grafted plant types. Flowering events of both grafted and seed-grown durian. Both types of durian flowered at the same time. (a) shows survey dates, (b) and (c) the flowering events. (d) and (e) show daily rainfall and minimum temperature respectively. Credit: Tokyo Metropolitan University Flowering events follow prolonged droughts. The appearance of durian flowers peaked around 50 days after an extended dry spell. Credit: Tokyo Metropolitan University The team had proposed that there was some relationship between the flowering of durian and the more general burst of flowering seen in the tropics following long dry spells. However, such general flowering events require a longer dry spell of around 30 days to occur. This explains why durian tend to flower multiple times a year, while synchronized flowering across species occurs once every few years. Given its commercial value, insights like these will inform effective agricultural practices to predict flowering and manage harvests. The team hope that their findings will also deepen our understanding of the southeast Asian tropical ecosystem. More information: Aoi Eguchi et al, Dry spells trigger durian flowering in aseasonal tropics, International Journal of Biometeorology (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s00484-024-02819-x Journal information: International Journal of Biometeorology Provided by Tokyo Metropolitan University
Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE: PLTR) is taking the financial markets by storm with its impressive 340% surge in stock value this year. Known for pioneering applied artificial intelligence solutions, Palantir is making waves amongst governments, the military, and enterprises globally. Despite its incredible growth, Palantir remains a favorite for bold, long-term investors. With the potential to buy shares during market pullbacks, investors eyeing future growth opportunities can’t ignore this AI powerhouse. The company’s methods are a testament to how AI can be applied effectively in real-world scenarios, far beyond mere digital assistants. Palantir’s origins trace back to its spin-out from the CIA, with co-founder Peter Thiel, an influential figure in Silicon Valley known for his links with other tech giants. As AI continues to reshape industries, Palantir’s ability to demonstrate its capabilities in improving operations for various entities highlights its dominant position. With such powerful backing and AI solutions that directly enhance corporate, military, and intelligence strategies worldwide, Palantir has often been compared to other tech titans like Nvidia. Speculation is high on how Palantir might become the “next Nvidia” by 2025, offering rich rewards for those willing to embrace the risk. The tech world continues to evolve with Palantir at its forefront. For those investors with a keen eye and an appetite for potential high rewards, especially during any stock price dips, Palantir is a promising contender on the global stage. Get ready to witness AI as more than just a buzzword, with Palantir leading the charge. Why Palantir Could Be the Next Big Thing in AI: Insights and Predictions As Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE: PLTR) continues to captivate the financial markets with a staggering 340% increase in its stock value this year, analysts and investors are paying close attention to its trajectory. The company, celebrated for its advanced artificial intelligence (AI) applications, is consolidating a reputation that extends beyond mere digital assistance into critical operational enhancements for governments, military sectors, and enterprises worldwide. Pros and Cons of Investing in Palantir Pros: – Rapid Growth : Palantir’s stock surge signifies strong market performance and might attract growth-oriented investors. – Strategic Collaborations : Deep ties with governmental and military applications position Palantir as a strategic asset to major global operations. – Technological Advancement : Leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies, Palantir stays at the forefront of innovation, promising new solutions that deliver tangible results. Cons: – Volatility Risk : A rapid rise in stock value may hint at potential volatility, posing a risk to more conservative investors. – Security and Ethical Concerns : Given its origins and the nature of its clientele, the ethical use of AI and data privacy remains crucial. Key Features Palantir stands out due to its robust AI-powered platforms that redefine data analysis and decision-making capabilities. Its products, like Palantir Gotham and Foundry, are utilized by governments, industries, and intelligence agencies to process large datasets and glean actionable insights. These tools are praised for enhancing efficiency, security, and strategic management. Use Cases – Military and Defense : Palantir’s AI solutions aid in threat detection, logistics optimization, and mission planning for defense agencies. – Government Services : Data integration and analysis help in policy development, public service improvement, and emergency response strategies. – Corporate Efficiency : Businesses leverage Palantir’s platforms for supply chain optimization, risk management, and market analytics. Market Comparisons and Trends In the tech industry, Palantir is frequently likened to Nvidia, acknowledging a parallel in potential market impact owing to both companies’ focus on AI. While Nvidia dominates in hardware, especially with AI-capable GPUs, Palantir’s strength lies in software solutions and analytics. As AI technology continues to evolve, Palantir is positioned to explore opportunities similar to Nvidia’s market influence, possibly becoming a key player by 2025. Sustainability and Ethics Palantir’s growth is fueled by its commitment to sustainable and ethical tech practices. As they expand their AI capabilities, Palantir emphasizes compliance and ethical guidelines, essential for maintaining trust with clients and industry partners. Innovations and Future Predictions With its ongoing innovation in AI applications, Palantir is expected to unveil more groundbreaking solutions in the upcoming years. Speculation suggests further penetrations into sectors like healthcare, finance, and smart city developments. Additionally, experts predict that collaborations with other tech innovators will accelerate Palantir’s influence. For additional information on Palantir and their groundbreaking AI solutions, explore their official website . Concluding, while Palantir’s stock value may dazzle investors looking for exponential growth, understanding the company’s long-term prospects, ethical considerations, and comparative market position will provide a more comprehensive evaluation for potential stakeholders.The Department of Energy’s (DOE) announcement of a dedicated green energy auction (GEA) for offshore wind projects next year has serious industry players excitedly charging ahead like surfers eyeing that perfect swell into the deep sea—but are we ready to catch the big wave on these uncharted waters, or will we dip our toes in the shallow end? The rising titans of the offshore wind industry know exactly what they’re after—they are laser-focused on taking that plunge for billion-dollar investments to anchor themselves at the heart of the Philippines’ bold energy transition goal. The big question is: how do we turn these fancy project blueprints into tangible gigawatt-producing wind farms without getting blown off course? Offshore wind: Policy & regulations The newly-released study from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) on "The Philippines Offshore Wind Supply Chain" isn’t just prescriptive and revealing — it’s an unflinching battle plan, outlining 15 critical policy and regulatory fixes that must be tackled head-on to turn targeted projects into actual gigawatt-installations. During the study’s presentation, GWEC Philippines Country Manager Ann Margret Francisco made it crystal clear: that to hit the government’s ambitious 2028 offshore wind generation target, “we need the right environment, the right policies, the right frameworks, a solid supply chain, and a robust offtake (power supply agreement) mechanism.” She acknowledged that there’s still a heated debate over what the industry can truly solidify by 2028—whether it’s construction, the first turbine on water, or actual kilowatt-hours of electricity generation—but the momentum is undeniable. The offshore wind sector is already gaining ground, rallying key players from government to financial institutions, industry groups, and embassies to push for policies that will make these projects a reality. Francisco cited that “the Philippines is off to a good start with the government showing a strong political will in developing its offshore wind market.” But she didn’t sugarcoat the challenges, emphasizing that “for the Philippines to fully capitalize on these offshore wind opportunities, the government needs to refine existing policies and scale up its local supply chain.” The GWEC’s supply chain-underpinned study cuts through the noise with 15 essential policy fixes that had been broken down into four sub-categories, starting with the heavy lifting of crafting a clear regulatory framework and streamlining permitting. This tackles five core issues: building a realistic, long-term offshore wind pipeline; securing transmission capacity linked to auction awards; ensuring policy continuity through changing administrations; establishing an Inter-Ministerial Task Force for Offshore Wind; and setting competitive GEAR (green energy auction reserve) prices— all while keeping consumer protection front and center. Next up on the roll is a deep dive into industry incentives and risk mitigation – and these are fleshed out into three key concerns: promoting retail electricity options for supply chain manufacturers, designating offshore wind projects as ‘infrastructure projects of national importance’; and unlocking export incentives for supply chain companies while ensuring they serve the domestic market. Third on the industry’s policy wish list is a purposeful engagement in workforce development and capacity building - segregated into five critical actions: leveraging the Department of Science and Technology’s Balik Scientist Program as an immediate solution to tap Filipino talent for the offshore wind sector; creating long-term strategies to lure skilled workers back to the country; upskilling local talent to meet the industry's specific needs; boosting the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) institutional capacity; and enhancing the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre’s (PITC) expertise to promote offshore wind and its growing supply chain. At the heart of reskilling and upskilling for green jobs in offshore wind, the study highlights the Norwegian Training Initiative in Manila as a transformative force —pioneering a program that will equip Filipino seafarers with the specialized skills needed to power the offshore wind industry forward. According to GWEC, a powerful partnership is being firmed up between the Norwegian Training Center (NTC) in Manila and the Norwegian Shipowners Association (NSA) in Oslo; “to ensure that the Philippines will be able to produce the right personnel needed for offshore wind deployment.” The fourth and final focus zeroes in on mapping the industry’s competitive advantage, tackling two paramount hurdles: first, crafting targeted pitches to draw more supply chain players—ranging from steel production and shipbuilding to the extraction of critical minerals like those needed for transmission cables; and second, urging the Department of Trade and Industry’s Investment Promotion Group (DTI-IPG) to identify other Philippine industries with transferrable skills that could fuel the offshore wind industry’s growth. Simply put, the Philippines’ ambitious offshore wind dream is no longer a distant vision—it’s almost certain that it will be making landfall. Now, the power to turn this goal into tangible megawatts and gigawatts rests squarely in the hands of key stakeholders, each holding a crucial piece to ensure that billion-dollar investments flow in and the industry takes solid root. Tidbit: With two ERC Commissioners retiring by July 2025, the industry is already buzzing with speculation about forthcoming big moves. Two early prospective candidates have emerged—one is a current DOE official, and the other is a lawyer-executive entrenched in spot trading of electricity. Place your bets on who’s on deck for the next regulatory spotlight.
NoneArsenal's quest for a first Premier League title since 2004 is already in jeopardy - with the January transfer window coming at a perfect time. The Gunners currently sit six points behind leaders Liverpool at the top of the table, with Arne Slot's men also boasting a game in hand. Despite the return of influential skipper Martin Odegaard , Arsenal have been inconsistent in the final third, and are not yet their usual free-flowing self. Arsenal have been accused of being overly reliant on academy graduate Bukayo Saka , who has chipped in with nine goals and 13 assists from 24 games in all competitions this term. The right winger has been directly involved in 15 out of the north London outfit's 34 goals scored from their 17 Premier League fixtures so far. But the Hale End star has dealt Arsenal a major blow following the hamstring injury he picked up in Saturday's 5-1 win away at Crystal Palace - ruling him out until February. Gooners were already crying out for Mikel Arteta to bolster his front line in the New Year, but with Saka now set for a spell on the sidelines, that is now vital should they wish to finally get their hands on the Premier League title for the first time in over two decades. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard - who have been rotating on the left wing - boast just Premier League goals between them. Meanwhile Gabriel Jesus - often utilised as the back-up striker option behind Kai Havertz - has scored just three top-flight goals in 2024, with his recent double at Selhurst Park ending a barren spell of 11 months. As for Raheem Sterling , his loan from Chelsea hasn't worked as of yet, with the England international limited to just 146 minutes of Premier League action spread across six outings, with the player now ruled out with a knee injury. And while Havertz is a popular figure amongst the club's fanbase, he is not a lethal finisher, with it known that Arsenal are in the market for a new No.9 to elevate their game. Here talkSPORT.com takes a look at five players Arsenal could look to splash the cash on in their bid to kickstart their title charge following back-to-back second place finishes. The 27-year-old failed to reach the heights of expected of him in England after coming up through Charlton's academy. He somewhat flattered to deceive during his spells at Everton, Fulham and Leicester in the Premier League. But he has transformed himself in Italy at Atalanta since moving to the Gewiss Stadium in 2022, where he is regarded as one of the top wingers in Serie A. He is already on 12 goals for the season having banged in 15 and 17 in all competitions in his first two campaigns in Bergamo. His versatility would also be appealing to Arteta with Lookman able to operate on either wing as well as up top. Recently crowned as the African Footballer of the Year over Mohamed Salah following his hat-trick in last season's Europa League final, Lookman would be an excellent addition to the Arsenal squad. West Ham's versatile forward Kudus is another potential option with Arsenal known to be huge admirers of the Ghanaian. The Gunners were heavily linked with a swoop to sign the 24-year-old in 2023, but he instead linked up with the Hammers from Ajax in a £38million deal . He proved to be an instant hit at the London Stadium after scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists from his 48 games in his opening campaign. Kudus has been involved in just five goals this term, but has still caught the eye in what has been a disappointing season so far for West ham. And talkSPORT understands that Arsenal could make a move for the player in January with West Ham open to selling him for a hefty profit. Kudus boasts a release clause of £85m which becomes active next summer, so Arsenal know they will have to break the bank to secure his services in the New Year. Having scored six goals against the Gunners, Rashford could very well end up smashing them in for Arsenal should he depart Manchester United. The 27-year-old, who has played on both wings and up top this term, is seeking a new adventure after revealing last week he is 'ready for a new challenge' ahead of the January transfer window. talkSPORT understands that United are open to offers for the two-time FA Cup winner who has scored 138 goals in 426 matches for the club. Rashford has been left out of United's squad in their last three matches with all signs pointing towards a January departure. Arsenal have shown in recent years they aren't scared of poaching star players from rivals clubs having brought in Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from City, Havertz, Jorginho and Sterling from Chelsea and Declan Rice from West Ham. Should Arsenal eye up a swoop for Rashford, they would have to compete with three Saudo Arabian clubs, who have all expressed an interest in signing him. With Jesus able to cover Saka on the right wing, Arsenal could look to sign a striker over a winger next month. Rumours of an Arsenal switch for the Sporting Lisbon marksman refuse to go away. No player has scored more than the Sweden international in 2024 having banged in a whopping 61 times for club and country this calendar year - 13 more goals than Erling Haaland. A physical specimen, the 26-year-old is the striker Arsenal fans are desperate to snap up - despite the club being warned by Troy Deeney he won't win them the league . Gyokeres, who combines speed and power with deadly finishing, fired Sporting to the Primeira Liga title last season after scoring 43 goals in all competitions. And he showed what he is capable of in early November after scoring a hat-trick against City in a 4-1 Champions League victory. With Gyokeres boasting a release clause of around £85m, the option is there for Arsenal to sign him - but they know they could face competition from Manchester United. Should Arsenal look to bring in a striker to provide competition for Havertz and are unwilling to stump £85m on Gyokeres, then Lille's David could be a viable alternative. While many Gooners may roll their eyes at the suggestion of the Canadian, the 24-year-old has been one of the most in-form players this year. The 2021 Ligue 1 champion has banged in a total 41 goals in 2024 - with only Gyokeres, Haaland and Harry Kane scoring more. He is currently leading the scoring charts in the French top-flight with 11 goals - and is now third on the list of Lille's top scorer list with 101 strikes. A cheaper option, David is set to become a free agent in 2025, with Lille likely to accept a lower fee for the player to avoid losing him for nothing. Though Arsenal may have to act quick should they wish to bring him to the club with Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli all rumoured to be of interest.
Blockchain Regulation Drives Business Utility While Stablecoins Surge This Week in Web3Matt Gaetz is out of the running to be the next Attorney General — but he stepped down from his role in the House of Representatives when Donald Trump nominated him to be his AG. Now that he’s not part of Trump’s cabinet or the government anymore, can Gaetz return to Congress? Below, we’re breaking down everything we know so far about Gaetz’s future in politics. Why Did Matt Gaetz Withdraw as Attorney General? In an announcement shared via X on November 21, 2024, Gaetz noted that he had “excellent meetings” with members of the U.S. Senate, and they had “thoughtful feedback” for him. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation [to be AG] was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance transition,” the former Congressman wrote. “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General.” Gaetz added that he remains “fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful president in history” and that he “will forever be honored that President Trump nominated [him] to lead the Department of Justice.” I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance... — Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 21, 2024 The politician’s withdrawal from the AG consideration came after his past sex trafficking investigation resurfaced. Although he was never charged with a crime, other accusations of sexual misconduct came to light, including a CNN report that claimed he had shown nude pictures of women to members in the House. During a 2021 interview with Tucker Carlson , Gaetz vehemently denied the allegations that he had sex with a teenager. “I have not had a relationship with a 17-year-old. That is totally false,” he insisted. “The allegation is — I read it in the New York Times — is that I’ve traveled with some 17-year-old in some relationship. That is false, and records will bear that out to be false. Providing for flights and hotel rooms for people that you’re dating who are of legal age is not a crime.” The Department of Justice concluded its investigation on Gaetz. However, the House Ethics Committee had reopened its probe. In November 2024, the committee agreed to conclude its probe and vote in December on whether or not to release its findings. Did Matt Gaetz Resign From Congress? After Trump nominated him to be AG, Gaetz resigned from Congress in November 2024. Can Gaetz Go Back to Congress Now? According to Newsweek , it’s possible that Gaetz can return to Congress. However, it wouldn’t be an easy path to return to the House of Representatives. If Marco Rubio officially becomes the new Secretary of State, there would be an open seat in the Senate for Gaetz to fill the seat. The outlet reported that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis could appoint Gaetz. Currently, Gaetz is unemployed and not a member of the U.S. Congress.